Āl-ʿImrān: 87

(Those), meaning those mentioned who are characterized by the most heinous attributes, is a subject (mubtadaʾ). His saying, Exalted is He: (their recompense), meaning the recompense for their deed, is a second subject. His saying regarding their affair: (is that upon them is the curse of Allah, the angels, and all mankind) is the predicate of the second subject, and it, along with its predicate, constitutes the predicate of the first subject.

It has been said: This, by its explicit wording (manṭūq), indicates the permissibility of cursing them, while its implied meaning (mafhūm) denies the permissibility of cursing others. Perhaps the difference between them and others—such that the curse is restricted to them—is that their hearts are sealed; they are prevented from guidance due to the wickedness of their essences and the hideousness of their predispositions; and they are in despair of the mercy of Allah, the Exalted, unlike others.

The disagreement regarding cursing specific individuals from among those whose types have been cursed—such as a specific wine drinker, for example—is well-known. Al-Nawawi holds the view of its permissibility, citing as evidence the report that the Prophet (may Allah, the Exalted, grant him peace and blessings) passed by a donkey branded on its face and said: "May Allah, the Exalted, curse the one who did this." He also cited the authentic report that the angels curse the woman who leaves her house without her husband's permission. It has been answered that the curse there is directed at the category, within which the individual is also included. It has been objected that this contradicts the apparent meaning—much like the interpretation of "if" and its inclusion of the rider—and the necessity of caution is not hidden.

The intended meaning of "mankind" is either the believers, because they are the ones who curse the disbelievers, or it is general, because everyone curses those who do not follow the truth, even if they themselves are not followers of it, according to their own estimation.